Türkiye demands end to attacks on non-military ships in Black Sea, FM says

Ankara has formally raised concerns with both Moscow and Kyiv over the recent attacks on non-military tankers in the Black Sea.

Speaking at the 23rd edition of the annual Doha Forum, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that such attacks risk turning the Black Sea into a closed zone for trade and civilian transit, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media outlets.

"We discussed this issue with the Ukrainians, and we also conveyed our concerns to the Russian side," Fidan said.

He underscored that the matter is highly sensitive for Türkiye, stressing that Ankara opposes attacks on merchant ships and shipping routes. Fidan said the growing threat represents an escalation of the conflict “both geographically and methodologically.”

When asked about his recent meeting with the foreign ministers of Romania and Bulgaria following attacks on commercial vessels in Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone, Fidan said the three countries have formed a working group to prevent wartime sea mines from drifting to their shores.

Naval forces have already started cooperating on the issue, he noted, adding: “The recent attacks in the Black Sea actually showed how justified Türkiye’s warnings from the very beginning were. Because the geography of the war is expanding. This is extremely alarming.”

According to Fidan, the incident involving two ships sailing in Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone not only threatens maritime safety but also risks transforming the Black Sea into a sealed-off area for trade and human movement.

Although Türkiye has access to warm waters through the Aegean and Mediterranean, Fidan highlighted that Romania and Bulgaria rely solely on the Black Sea for maritime access.

“This is a much bigger problem for them. But as the country with the longest coastline on the Black Sea, we also have to take on significant responsibility. And we are doing our part,” he said.

By Nazrin Sadigova